If you want to succeed in life but keep procrastinating, say goodbye to these 8 daily habits

Avatar by Lachlan Brown | December 10, 2024, 6:50 pm

As the founder of Hack Spirit and a mindfulness enthusiast, I’ve spent a lot of time analyzing success. One thing I’ve noticed is that procrastination is a huge roadblock on the path to achievement.

A lot of us have big dreams, but we get stuck in daily habits that keep us from moving forward. I’ve been there. I know what it’s like to feel like you’re spinning your wheels, but not actually getting anywhere.

What if I told you that by simply saying goodbye to just eight daily habits, you could start making real progress towards your goals?

That’s right, just eight habits stand between you and the success you’re after.

Let’s dive in. 

1. Ditching the habit of multitasking

We often think that multitasking is a sign of productivity, but research suggests otherwise.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that if we do multiple things at once, we’ll get more done. But the truth is, our brains aren’t wired to handle multiple tasks at the same time. Instead, they switch back and forth between tasks, which can lead to mistakes and even slow us down.

And here’s the kicker: multitasking can actually fuel procrastination. When we’re juggling multiple tasks, it’s easy to put off the more challenging ones in favor of easier tasks. And before we know it, we’re stuck in a cycle of avoidance and delay.

The key is to focus on one task at a time. Prioritize your tasks, tackle them one by one and give each one your full attention. You’ll be amazed at how much more you can accomplish—and how much less you procrastinate—when you’re fully engaged in what you’re doing.

2. Saying goodbye to perfectionism

Perfectionism can be a major roadblock to success. I’ve learned this the hard way.

Early in my career as the founder of Hack Spirit, I was determined to make everything perfect. Each blog post had to be flawless. Each email had to be meticulously crafted. I was convinced that if everything wasn’t perfect, it would all fall apart.

But here’s the thing: this quest for perfection led to massive amounts of procrastination. Because I was so worried about making mistakes, I often put off starting tasks. And when I did start, I spent way too much time on them, trying to get every little detail just right.

It took me a while, but I eventually realized that perfection is an illusion. It’s far better to do something imperfectly than not to do it at all.

Now, I strive for progress, not perfection. And guess what? Not only am I more productive, but I also procrastinate less and enjoy my work more.

3. Neglecting self-care

This may seem counterintuitive, but one of the biggest habits that can fuel procrastination is neglecting self-care.

When we’re not taking care of ourselves—whether that’s eating poorly, skimping on sleep, or not taking time to relax and recharge—we’re not giving ourselves the fuel we need to be productive. And when our energy levels are low, it’s much easier to fall into the trap of procrastination.

I used to be guilty of this myself. I’d work long hours, eat on the go, and convince myself that I didn’t have time to take a break. But I quickly realized that this kind of lifestyle was unsustainable.

In my book Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I delve into the importance of self-care and how it plays a pivotal role in our productivity and success. A well-rested and well-nourished mind is more equipped to tackle tasks head-on instead of postponing them.

4. Avoiding the tough tasks

Psychologically, it’s natural for us to avoid tasks that we find challenging or unenjoyable. But this avoidance can lead to procrastination and stunt our progress towards success.

The theory behind this is known as the “Zeigarnik effect”, named after the psychologist Bluma Zeigarnik. She found that unfinished tasks tend to occupy our minds more than completed ones. So by avoiding tough tasks, we’re essentially allowing them to take up mental space and cause unnecessary stress.

Instead of avoiding these tasks, tackle them head-on. It might be helpful to use a technique known as “time-blocking”, where you allocate specific time slots during your day to focus solely on these challenging tasks.

And remember, it’s okay if these tasks take longer or are more difficult than others. The key is progress, not perfection.

5. Relying too much on motivation

Believe it or not, one of the habits that might be holding you back is relying too much on motivation.

We tend to think that in order to get things done, we need to feel motivated. But the truth is, motivation is fleeting. It comes and goes, and if we wait around for it to strike, we might find ourselves procrastinating more often than not.

Instead of relying on motivation, focus on discipline. Create a routine that you can stick to, regardless of whether you’re feeling motivated or not.

Habits and routines are much more effective for long-term goal achievement than sporadic bursts of motivation.

6. Allowing distractions to take over

In our hyper-connected world, it’s all too easy to get distracted. Whether it’s social media notifications, emails popping into our inbox, or the lure of online shopping, distractions are everywhere.

These distractions can be a major cause of procrastination. Every time we’re interrupted, it takes our brain time to refocus on the task at hand. Over time, these interruptions add up, leading to significant time loss and increased levels of stress.

The key is to create a work environment that minimizes distractions. This could mean turning off notifications on your phone during work hours, creating a designated workspace at home, or using apps that block distracting websites.

Our attention is a limited resource. By managing our distractions, we can ensure that this resource is used effectively and efficiently.

7. Ignoring the power of positive affirmations

There was a time when self-doubt was my constant companion. Negative self-talk would fill my mind, and this negativity often resulted in procrastination. After all, why start something when convinced of failure?

But then, I discovered the power of positive affirmations. Positive affirmations are positive statements that you repeat to yourself, like “I can do this” or “I am capable.”

It might sound too simple to be effective, but research has shown that positive affirmations can actually rewire our brains, helping us believe in our abilities and boosting our self-confidence.

Now, I start each day with a positive affirmation. It sets a positive tone for the day and helps me tackle tasks without procrastination.

8. Skipping breaks

Many of us think that working for long hours without taking a break will make us more productive. But research has shown that this is not the case.

Our brains are not designed to work non-stop. They need breaks to recharge and process information. When we skip breaks, we’re actually impairing our cognitive function, which can lead to decreased productivity and increased procrastination.

The Pomodoro Technique is a great way to ensure you’re taking regular breaks. Developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s, the technique involves working for 25 minutes, then taking a five-minute break.

So don’t skip those breaks. They’re essential for maintaining your productivity and reducing procrastination.

Final thoughts: It’s all about balance

At the end of the day, overcoming procrastination and moving towards success is all about finding balance.

Balance between work and rest, discipline and flexibility, self-improvement and self-care. It’s about understanding that while our habits can hold us back, they can also propel us forward.

I delve deeper into this concept in my book Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego. The book explores how you can harness the power of balance to live a more mindful and productive life.

Every small step towards changing your habits is a step towards success. So don’t be too hard on yourself if progress seems slow. As long as you’re moving forward, you’re on the right track.

The path to success isn’t always easy, but it’s within your reach. And with the right habits in place, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your goals.

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